The immense chamber of the twenty-fifth floor maintained its purified and tranquil atmosphere, bathed in the constant light of the blue torches that outlined the walls of black rock. Before the translucent light portal and the gray marble pillar where the runic stone remained inserted, our squad stood perfectly aligned. The decision to return to the surface for a well-deserved period of rest and resupply at the mansion had already been made unanimously, consolidating the success of our journey to that critical level of the tower.
I approached the transition structure, carefully analyzing the density of the luminous film that gently rippled in the center of the portal. Unlike conventional passages that required a blind walk toward the unknown, the newly activated anchoring panel and the sector's runic stone guaranteed a direct and safe return channel to the first floor of the building, eliminating any risk of spatial dispersion during the journey.
"The time has come to execute the retreat protocol," I announced in a firm and serene tone, turning to face the girls who were waiting in disciplined formation. "Since the mystic terminal's system has linked the signature of every member to our transit route, the return journey will occur in a controlled chain. The energy flow needs to be individualized to prevent any overload in the teleportation matrix."
Liriel nodded, adjusting the strap of her sacred staff and maintaining a calm posture that conveyed complete confidence to her assistant, who was already storing the measuring panel in her side bag.
"The mapping is perfectly synchronized with our mana frequency," Liriel explained, looking at the marble pillar with professional admiration. "The tower recognizes our passage authority. We can begin evacuating the sector without any concern."
While the group prepared for the procedure, I allowed a deep and analytical reflection about the mechanics of that ascent to occupy my thoughts. Mastering the tower's secrets depended not only on the physical strength unleashed in the heat of battle against colossal creatures like the Demonic Dragon, but on the ability to understand and manipulate the logical systems that governed that ancient environment. Every floor conquered, every resource managed with rigor, and every bond of trust strengthened between my companions formed an impenetrable web of security. Returning to the surface did not mean abandoning the conquest, but respecting the natural cycle of attrition and renewal that sustained the squad's efficiency in the long term. A leader's wisdom lies in knowing the exact moment to advance boldly and the precise time to retreat and recharge one's strength, ensuring that the return to the battlefield is always synonymous with absolute victory.
"Who will be the first to open the return channel?" Scarlet asked, crossing her arms elegantly and directing her gaze toward me while maintaining her usual serenity.
"You go first, Liriel, followed by your assistant and the others in support order," I indicated, pointing with an open hand toward the portal's shining surface. "I will coordinate everyone's departure and will be the last to cross the threshold."
"Understood," the mage replied with a gentle smile.
Liriel took two steps forward, positioning herself directly in the center of the luminous film. When she lightly touched the edge of the marble pillar with her fingertips, the inserted runic stone emitted an intense golden glow. A wave of warm energy enveloped Liriel's body, causing her garments to float gently for a microsecond before a soft flash dissolved her into thousands of particles of golden light, which disappeared toward the high ceiling of the hall.
"First member's transition successfully completed," the system's clear and mechanical voice echoed in everyone's minds.
"Incredible..." Liriel's assistant whispered, taking a deep breath before taking the vacant position. She rested her hand on the base of the pillar, activating the same individual release mechanism. A beam of silver light rapidly enveloped her, and she disappeared instantly, leaving behind only the soft echo of her breathing.
In a fluid and perfectly coordinated sequence, the remaining members advanced toward the center of the transition structure. Rai'kanna was the third, propelling herself forward with an agile movement and disappearing amid a flash of violet energy. Then, Elara activated the system with a firm touch, followed closely by Vespera, whose body was enveloped by a gust of arcane wind before transforming into luminous particles. Lyannis was the penultimate one, crossing the portal with a broad smile and an enthusiastic farewell wave, while Scarlet waited patiently beside me.
"Your turn, Scarlet," I instructed in a warm and friendly tone.
The swordswoman looked into my eyes for a brief second, demonstrating all the respect and camaraderie built over hundreds of battles fought side by side. She took a firm step toward the pillar, touched the runic stone with her gloved palm, and allowed the silver light to guide her back to the surface, disappearing from the hall with the same martial elegance that marked each of her steps.
The vast hall of the twenty-fifth floor suddenly became silent. Only the residual sound of the blue flames in the torches along the side galleries broke the silence of the black-rock chamber.
I approached the marble pillar and took a deep breath, feeling the pure air circulate freely through my lungs. I looked around one last time, visually confirming that the environment was perfectly anchored, secure, and free of any hostile threat.
I placed my right palm directly on the runic stone embedded in the cavity of the marble pillar. At the exact moment of contact, the terminal's geometric engravings glowed with a unified intensity, emitting a pulse of white and golden light that covered my entire body, connecting my leader's signature to the main teleportation channel.
"All squad signatures registered and evacuated successfully," the system's voice proclaimed in a harmonious and definitive tone. "Initiating redirection to the first floor of the tower."
A sensation of lightness took over my senses as the dark marble floor seemed to dissolve beneath my boots. The image of the monumental chamber began to fade into a gentle whirlpool of silver colors and lights, marking the successful conclusion of that intense stage of our ascent and opening the way to the well-deserved rest in the capital.